By Staff Reporter
The Chiredzi Town Council has announced plans to launch an operation to remove informal vendors who have set up makeshift stalls and tuck shops in unauthorized locations.
In an urgent notice, the Town Secretary Wesley Kauma, said the operation is supported by various law enforcement agencies.
“There has been a rise in illegal business operations, which has become a big issue in our town. Many informal traders and vendors have set up makeshift stalls and tuck-shops in unauthorized areas. Chiredzi Town Council has provided vendors and traders with designated areas to freely conduct their businesses, as a way to have organized and regulated business transactions and operations,” the notice reads.
Kauma added that the illegal vendors and unauthorized businesses pose health risks and cause congestion in the town.
“Vendors and traders failure to operate from their designated spaces has resulted in unsightly landscapes around the town, exposure to health risks and disruption of normal business operations as well as traffic flow.
“Furthermore, these illegal activities have gone on to deprive licensed businesses of business opportunities,” wrote Kauma.
“This operation aims to restore order through enforcement of by-laws, provision of designated trading areas and continued engagement with various stakeholders.”
The government last week ordered all local authorities to remove illegal vendors from the central business districts. They have however stay put citing the high unemployment rate and economic crisis have forced them to turn to vending.